Walking the Line
"I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line"
Melissa and I rented two wonderful movies a few days ago, the Johnny and June Carter Cash biopic, Walk the Line, and the Squid and the Whale. Johnny Cash is often viewed in an approachable way, the man in black seems dark and sullen but in many ways is the everyman who made his mark and never forgot where he came from. In contrast to the flash-over substance cutesy hook lines of today's pop-country, Johnny Cash's song is part gospel, part blues, part rock, and ultimately, a lament of mans' condition in the world. The movie depicts a lighter side of the story but hints at Johnny's troubles but highlights his remarkable understanding of Christ's compassion and grace in a world that was puritan, uncaring, and judgemental.
The love story of Johnny Cash's unabaiting love for June is endearing and brings out the best and sometimes the worst in Cash, but in the end that love makes him become the man he has to be to gain her trust. The mistakes we make in the past are sometimes forgiven but unfortunately hard to forget.
Melissa and I watched the movie and she felt the baby kick and guided my hand to feel it move, and I was overcome with joy. My eyes teared up with happiness and love of the life we are bringing into the world. I only hope I can teach our child to know grace and compassion and love; what else is there?
